Introduction to modern historical criticism of the Old Testament, with special attention given to the formation of scripture from ancient traditions and its implications for history of Jewish and Christian interpretation. Short papers and a final exam.

A survey of the religious traditions of ancient Israel as they are reflected in the diverse types of literature found in the First Testament, with emphasis on their historical development and their relevance for contemporary ministry. Topics to be considered include: Israelite origins, settlement of the land, social structures, the monarchy, prophecy, the exile and return. Weekly lectures and discussion, research papers, application paper, class participation.

Schedule: Thursday, 18:00 to 21:00Schedule Notes: Weekly meeting - one hour tutorial followed by two hour class.
N.B. First Class - No tutorial, class will finish at 20:00Instructors:Heather MacumberTeaching Methods: Lectures Other Information: First Semester · One Credit

A survey of the religious traditions of ancient Israel as they are reflected in the diverse types of literature found in the First Testament, with emphasis on their historical development and their relevance for contemporary ministry. Topics to be considered include: Israelite origins, settlement of the land, social structures, the monarchy, prophecy, the exile and return. Weekly lectures and discussion, research papers, application paper, class participation.

Schedule: Thursday, 13:00 to 16:00Schedule Notes: Weekly meeting - one hour tutorial followed by two hour class.
N.B. First Class - No tutorial, class will finish at 15:00Instructors:Heather MacumberTeaching Methods: Lectures Other Information: First Semester · One Credit

This course will study the literary genres, the history of composition, and the canonization of the Old Testament texts. The course will examine various hermeneutical approaches to the Old Testament. The course will examine various hermeneutical approaches to the Old Testament, focusing on their implications for Christian theological interpretation. It will introduce some methods of teaching the Old Testament in various settings.

Survey of New Testament world, authors, theologies. Introduction to the historical-critical and other methods of exegesis. Focus on the relation of hermeneutic to Christian Theological traditions; determining the senses of Scripture, the intent of the author, the structures in the texts; stance of the reader. Lecture/Discussion; paper; mid-term and final exam.

An introduction to the four Gospels in their social, historical and theological settings. Using a "socio-literary" approach, we will study the Gospels within a two-dimensional framework, both centred on what the early Christians called the "gospel" or "Kerygma." One dimension has to do with social history, the origin and development of Christianity as a distinct social entity, from its foundations in the ministry of Jesus and the Easter experience, through its emergence as a Jewish renewal movement, and on to its development into a separate, largely Gentile, institutionalized religion. The second dimension has to do with literature, the process by which the Gospels came to be written, their literary form and texture, and their character as narrative versions of the "gospel." Tutorial from 10 - 11 am. Weekly lectures; assigned papers; final exam or integration paper.

This course is an introduction to the four canonical Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, as well as to exegetical method in the study of the New Testament. Weekly lectures, compulsory tutorial; assigned papers; final exam or integrative paper. Class is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tutorial is from 11 a.m. to noon.

The course has two aims: first, to familiarize you with the context and the content of the four canonical Gospels, including information related to the production and subsequent transmission of these writings; and second, to introduce you to the role that different analytical methodologies or conscious "reading strategies" play in the interpretation of these texts. The course will cover redaction, literary, textual, and ideological criticism, as well as the political and social background of the Gospels. There will be both lecture and practical application. Attention will also be given to use of the Library and the Internet for New Testament research. Short written assignments and a final exam.

This course is the first part of a two-part introductory survey course on the New Testament. It aims to acquaint students with important issues in the study of the four canonical Gospels and to introduce the role that different analytical methodologies or reading strategies play in the interpretation of these texts. Lectures and assigned papers.

An introduction to the grammar and syntax of Koine Greek. Students will also develop a basic proficiency in reading and pronouncing the text of the Greek New Testament. Lecture, group work, evaluation of Greek pronunication. Weekly assignments, midterm project, final exam.

Introduction to ancient Greek grammar for the sake of reading the New Testament. The focus will be on basic aspects of ancient Greek grammar and syntax. Weekly class participation, quizzes, final exam.

Basic New Testament Greek grammar. During the first semester, students work through a large portion of the textbook, which introduces basic grammatical and syntactical elements of the language. In the second semester students complete the introductory grammar textbook, and begin reading in the Greek New Testament. Class participation, periodic tests, final exam.

This course will explore the Bible as the ongoing story of and for God and creation, paying special attention to the way in which God's story is intertwined with that of humanity and the world. In asking whether and in what way the Bible is also our story, we will attempt to identify which hermeneutical methods might help us discern its significance for present day life, including the academic enterprise.

The goal of Biblical Hebrew I and its adjoining course Biblical Hebrew II is to provide both students training for designated ministry and those students who wish to continue in advanced degree studies with a working knowledge of biblical Hebrew. The acquired skills may be used for the purposes of homiletical exegesis, scholarship pursuit, and the general pleasure of textual theological interpretations. Classes are twice weekly, and consist of lecture, homework tutorial, quizzes and quiz review, translation work, and theological reflections posted on Twitter. Evaluation: weekly quizzes; midterm exam; attendance and participation; final exam.

This course provides practice analyzing and translating early Christian and Jewish Greek texts, and interpreting them with respect to their literary and social contexts. Lecture, discussion. Quizzes, exegetical assignment, final exam.

This course introduces the prophets of Israel from their historical contexts, explores developments, genres and theological themes. Attention will be paid to the role of Israelite prophets in the larger ancient Near East context and prophetic contributions to Israelite expressions of God. Basic methods of exegesis will be reinforced as well as attention to a Catholic framework for interpretation. Lectures, quizzes, exams and a final paper.

The Psalter can be viewed as a distillation of Israel’s history, spirituality, liturgy, wisdom, Torah and messianic hopes. This course will examine some of the key elements of Hebrew poetry exemplified by the Psalms. In the study of the Psalms according to their literary forms or genres, their unique poetic and thematic features will be highlighted. Some consideration will be given to thematic groupings of Psalms such as Creation Psalms and Penitential Psalms. The spirituality of the Psalms will be explored both through Patristic literature and modern authors. This course will consider the messianic and Christological reading of the Psalms. Pre-requisite: Introduction to the Old Testament.

Apostolic preaching and its development in Gospel writing. A look at the Synoptic Question. Special introduction to first three gospels, with attention to the themes and theology of each tradition. Exegetical study of selected passages in Mark, completed with reference to accounts in Matthew and Luke. Lectures, discussion, midterm exam, paper, final exam. Prerequisite: An introduction to New Testament course.

Luke's themes of universality and of Christ as savior of the disadvantaged demonstrate God's openness in Christianity to everyone and form the core of Luke's personal portrayal of God's saving action in history and in the world. According to Luke, disciples and "eye-witnesses" of Jesus of Nazareth are characterized by their receptivity towards God's saving activity and their responses and reactions of joy, wonder, praise and blessing to that activity. Special attention will be paid to Luke's presentation of Jesus' proclamation of a liberation which is not limited by ethnic, national, economic or gender concerns. This course will consider Luke's Gospel as a blueprint for contemporary ministry. Weekly assignments, final paper, class preparation and participation. Prerequisite: TSB 1501 (or equivalent).

This course in an introduction to the content and background of the letters of Paul. Particular attention will be given to the social context of Paul's churches and to the social implications of Pauline Christianity. Throughout emphasis will be placed on the letters as the remnants of early communities striving to understand the work of God among them. Weekly readings and participation, short assignments.

The course will work through Romans consecutively, doing a close reading of the Biblical text and engaging with influential scholarly literature on Paul in general and Romans in particular. Evaluation: tutorial presentations and written work. Prerequisite: WYB1501H or equivalent.

Seminar focusing on a) reinforcement of first-year Hebrew grammar and b) acquisition of historical and critical background necessary for understanding the book and for conveying its meaning. Weekly participation, assignments and quizzes; term project. Prerequisite: One full-year of biblical Hebrew. N.B. In combination with RGB3081H, "Hebrew Poetry: Psalms," successful completion of this course as if for credit satisfies the Hebrew requirement for doctoral candidates in New Testament.

In the course, the Archeology of the First Temple Period will be discussed. In archeology the period is named the Iron Age. First the division to sub-periods will be studied as well as the meaning of this division. The differences in finds between Judea and Israel, after the division of David.

Studies the entire book of Genesis under the three large headings of Creation, Covenant and the Joseph Narrative. Special emphasis given to theological perspectives that emerge in the stories and narratives. Lectures, major paper.

The course is designed to introduce a critical study of the book of Psalms, its problems and methods. It will combine an investigation into the structure, design and theology of the Psalter with the exegesis of many individual psalms. Careful attention will be paid to their forms and settings in life, particularly their place in ancient liturgies. Basic Degree students will write three reports about 15:00 words in length and a final examination. Advanced students will write a publishable research paper and final examination. Advanced Degree biblical students will be expected to have competency in both Greek and Hebrew.

An awareness of the way Judaism developed in the period between the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian Hellenists (167 BCE) and the revolt against Rome (66-70 CE) is crucial for a proper understanding of both Jesus and the early Christian movement. This course will investigate these developments within Judaism in their political, social and literary contexts, with special attention to their significance for the New Testament.

In this course we will analyze the various forms of miracle stories in the gospels and study their meaning at different levels of early Christian tradition. Theological and pastoral implications arising from criticism will be considered.

Readers of Pauls letters have long noted the diversity of the Christian communities to which he writes and the different approaches he takes towards their problems and questions. This course will study Paul's letters from the point of his role as a pastor and theologian. Paul's theology does not develop out of a philosophical or theological "?system" but from the everyday encounters with the problems of the communities and people of different historical and social context whom he meets while preaching the gospel. Lectures. Preparation and participation in class 10%; Book Review assignments 70%; Final colloquium 20%.

The NT offers a vision of a renewed and transformed humanity. We will explore the various models of the spiritual and ethical life implied in this vision that are found in the four gospels, the Pauline letters, and the Pastoral Epistles. Special attention will be given to the first-century social and political context, especially that of the Roman Empire and its ideology. Issues of personal transformation, apocalyptic spirituality, ecstatic experience, prayer, violence, sexuality, gender, and exclusivity will be explored. Requirements: Assigned readings, participation (depending on class size), one 10-page final paper. No exams. Three books will be assigned as basic texts. Additional readings will be on reserve in the library.

Urban development of Jerusalem from the beginning of the Hasmonean period (100 BCE) and its expansion and enhancement under Herod the Great. How much of this Jerusalem did Jesus see and know? Historical and Archeological data amplifies the Biblical text. We will also consider the problems of the Temple Mount: definition and location of sanctity, water installations, entertainment structures as well as defining and elucidating the location of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate. Informed attendance and participation in class discussion. Final paper.

Critical and exegetical study of Hebrew text of Genesis. In addition to historical-critical issues, attention will be paid to Ancient Near Eastern parallels as well as to the book's themes, structure and theological significance. Cross-listed to RLG3142H.

This course will combine close textual and exegetical analysis of the Hebrew Bible (Isaiah) with attention to methodology. These chapters of Isaiah are selected as they model well the transition from early literary-critical to form and redaction-critical exegesis, and newer canonical approaches. the time will be devoted to close reading of the Hebrew text informed by the spate of newer commentary treatments and secondary literature.

Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, 11:00 to 13:00Schedule Notes: This course will be held twice a week and is offered from Sept 16 to Nov 1, 2013Instructors:Christopher SeitzTeaching Methods: Lectures, Seminars Other Information: First Semester · One Credit · Max: 10

An examination of selected psalms, prayers, and hymns from the Dead Sea Scrolls with an eye to their appropriation of scriptural discourse. Genre issues, social function of these texts in the Qumran community, and continuity with and differences from later Jewish and Christian liturgies also explored. Seminar, seminar presentations, and final paper. Prerequisite: 2 years biblical Hebrew. Evaluation: Participation (25%); class presentations (25%); and final paper (50%).

Schedule: Thursday, 11:00 to 13:00Instructors:Judith NewmanTeaching Methods: Seminars Other Information: First Semester · One CreditAdditional Notes: Course will be held in the Jackman Humanities Building (JHB).

Investigation of history of solutions to the Synoptic Problem from the eighteenth century to the present. Special attention to revival of the Griesbach hypothesis and to recent advances in the Two-Document Hypothesis. Seminar and seminar paper. Prerequisite: Greek and either German or French. Cross-listed to Religion as RLG3243H

An exploration of the intersection of hermeneutics with the critical theory of some of Europe?s most influential theorists in such areas as post-heidegerrian phenomenology, Frankfurt School, ideological criticism, Lancanian theory, Poststructuralism and Postcolonial criticism.

In the course, the Archeology of the First Temple Period will be discussed. In archeology the period is named the Iron Age. First the division to sub-periods will be studied as well as the meaning of this division. The differences in finds between Judea and Israel, after the division of David.

Studies the entire book of Genesis under the three large headings of Creation, Covenant and the Joseph Narrative. Special emphasis given to theological perspectives that emerge in the stories and narratives. Lectures, major paper.

The course is designed to introduce a critical study of the book of Psalms, its problems and methods. It will combine an investigation into the structure, design and theology of the Psalter with the exegesis of many individual psalms. Careful attention will be paid to their forms and settings in life, particularly their place in ancient liturgies. Basic Degree students will write three reports about 15:00 words in length and a final examination. Advanced students will write a publishable research paper and final examination. Advanced Degree biblical students will be expected to have competency in both Greek and Hebrew.

An awareness of the way Judaism developed in the period between the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian Hellenists (167 BCE) and the revolt against Rome (66-70 CE) is crucial for a proper understanding of both Jesus and the early Christian movement. This course will investigate these developments within Judaism in their political, social and literary contexts, with special attention to their significance for the New Testament.

In this course we will analyze the various forms of miracle stories in the gospels and study their meaning at different levels of early Christian tradition. Theological and pastoral implications arising from criticism will be considered.

Readers of Paul's letters have long noted the diversity of the Christian communities to which he writes and the different approaches he takes towards their problems and questions. This course will study Paul's letters from the point of his role as a pastor and theologian. Paul's theology does not develop out of a philosophical or theological "?system" but from the everyday encounters with the problems of the communities and people of different historical and social context whom he meets while preaching the gospel. Lectures. Preparation and participation in class 10%; Book Review assignments 70%; Final colloquium 20%.

The NT offers a vision of a renewed and transformed humanity. We will explore the various models of the spiritual and ethical life implied in this vision that are found in the four gospels, the Pauline letters, and the Pastoral Epistles. Special attention will be given to the first-century social and political context, especially that of the Roman Empire and its ideology. Issues of personal transformation, apocalyptic spirituality, ecstatic experience, prayer, violence, sexuality, gender, and exclusivity will be explored. Requirements: Assigned readings, participation (depending on class size), one 10-page final paper. No exams. Three books will be assigned as basic texts. Additional readings will be on reserve in the library.

The purpose of this course is to bring forth the urban development of the Holy City from the 6th century BC when the repatriates from Babylon rebuilt the city and the Temple. After the Babylonian exile, the city was reconstructed in its former limits but later extended even more. Because of the ability to follow the development of the city, one can contribute nowadays to the authenticity of the holy sites and understand what kind of city Christ saw when he came to the city. This study is possible thanks to the scriptures and Archeology, which revealed great sections of that city that the Romans covered in the second century AD and so they disappeared. The discrepancies between the various sources describing Jerusalem will also be discussed and analyzed and so cast more light on the Gospel descriptions of the city. The scriptures are not books of history and therefore their descriptions are far from detailed and it is to us to complete the views of the city with the help of archeology and the knowledge that comes from later sources. All this will be dealt with in the course.